THE Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has stated that it is aware a few parents have shown some concern about the inevitable increase in boarding fees in the State model colleges.
The Ministry in a statement on Monday, September 16, 2024, reassured all parents, that the welfare of their children remains a top priority, noting that the Lagos State Government continues to provide free education in 1,021 Primary schools, 369 Junior Secondary and 329 Senior Secondary schools, which include the 32 model colleges across the State, which are boarding schools, except, Vetland Junior and Senior Secondary Schools.
The statement also explained that enrolment of a child into a boarding school is an individual choice of every parent, and as such, they are expected to pay boarding fees at the beginning of every school term.
It noted that the boarding fees are used basically for feeding, janitorial and other cost-related miscellaneous to keep the students in the hostels per term. The schools from these fees, also take care of energy costs of fuel and cooking gas, which are essential for preparing meals for boarding Students.
According to the statement, “The concern of ensuring better welfare for our model college students, who are about one per cent of the entire basic and secondary school student population in public schools in the State, necessitated the increase in boarding fees.
“The model college students enjoy all other privileges of free education vis a vis provision of education infrastructure, free tuition, technology support (free devices) provision of adequate security in schools and payment of terminal examination fees (LASG pays WAEC fees for all public school students).
“The #35,000 boarding fees being paid since 2021 are not realistic in 2024. Ideally, none of our parents will testify to the reasonability of feeding a child of 12 to 18 years with 35,000 for three months. Noting that a comparative analysis of Federal and State public schools with boarding facilities across the country shows that the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is still very considerate of the reviewed rate despite the incomparable cost of food and other expenses.
“Nutritious food is not just for physical growth but also mental alertness. The Ministry certainly don’t want our students in boarding schools to look gaunt and lack the skill of critical thinking.
“The Government takes responsibility for the health and well-being of the students while in school. To do this will require the full cooperation of all stakeholders. Our parents should show understanding for the sake of the children”.